Is it in the Bible?
Is “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” in the Bible?
No. “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” is not a Bible verse. It comes from Christian tradition, not Scripture. Scripture asks for the life and the words: let your light shine so people see the good you do (Matthew 5:16), and be ready to explain the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). Paul asks how anyone can hear with no one to preach (Romans 10:14).
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The answer
Is “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” in the Bible?
Not a Bible verse
No. It is not a Bible verse.
It comes from Christian tradition, not Scripture.
Scripture asks for the life and the words: let your light shine so people see the good you do (Matthew 5:16), and be ready to explain the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). Paul asks how anyone can hear with no one to preach (Romans 10:14).
What the Bible says instead
In the same way, your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 · open the chapter →
But in your hearts treat Christ as the holy Lord. Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you, but do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 · open the chapter →
How, then, can people call on someone they have not believed in? How can they believe in someone they have not heard? And how can they hear with no one to preach?
Romans 10:14 · open the chapter →
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Plain answers.
Is “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” in the Bible?
No. “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” is not a Bible verse. It comes from Christian tradition, not Scripture. Scripture asks for the life and the words: let your light shine so people see the good you do (Matthew 5:16), and be ready to explain the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). Paul asks how anyone can hear with no one to preach (Romans 10:14).
Where does “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” come from?
Often credited to Francis of Assisi, but it does not appear in his known writings.
What does the Bible say instead?
Read Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 10:14. Scripture asks for the life and the words: let your light shine so people see the good you do (Matthew 5:16), and be ready to explain the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). Paul asks how anyone can hear with no one to preach (Romans 10:14).
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